Chains of oppression CAN be broken

For Freedom International exists to break chains of oppression so that people can encounter Christ, live in freedom, and change the world.

About FFI

For Freedom International started with a dream to see the marginalized, vulnerable, and exploited set free from the injustice of oppression. That dream has drawn our team from around the globe to Thailand, a truly beautiful country in the throes of combatting human trafficking and sexual exploitation. FFI has begun our work in the province of Phuket, one of the largest sex tourism destinations in Southeast Asia, and we’re implementing our holistic approach outward, trusting God to bring freedom and hope to the people of Phuket, to the rest of Thailand, to Southeast Asia, and back to those living in the West. For Freedom International does not discriminate on any basis such as sexual orientation and various faith beliefs and is privileged to provide service to the families, children and constituents we exist to serve.

Why a bird?

To us, birds represent freedom; they are free to fly, free to choose their destination, free from snares that can entangle them, and free to soar with joy. Our freedom bird has landed with wings folded, because we also wanted to convey the beauty of being at rest, of being fully restored from situations that caused fear and flight. Our goal is for people to be free to become all that they were made to be, at peace, safe, and confident in their worth

“There are more slaves today than at any other time in human history…
Does the weight of that actually impact who you are?”

Watch this video made by our founder, Darren, in Thailand

Check out more stories from our experiences working in Thailand

Our Values

Celebration – We will honor what God has done and remember the best is yet to come.

Humility – We will live out God’s story, not our own.

Authenticity – We are more aware of our brokenness than our abilities.

Excellence – We are not satisfied with mediocrity, because it rarely inspires and often distracts.

Boldness – Obedience to God is our profession, and we are freaking warriors.

Generosity – We will give irrationally because we know God provides.

Accountability – We seek to limit our autonomy by choosing to be answerable.

Meet Our Staff

Darren Herbold

Founding Director

Darren Herbold

It’s very hard for Darren to sit still. He lives to be part of dynamic teams dreaming up new ideas and then turning them into successful ministries. Darren loves it if it’s ambitious, big, and inspiring. Above all, he is passionate about people making a difference, a BIG difference! Darren is not inspired by a small vision or even a large vision; he wants to follow a massive vision. And through it, Darren believes we can change the world!

To support the Herbold’s, click here and select “Darren and Naomi Herbold” from the dropdown menu.

Naomi Herbold

Founding Director

Naomi Herbold

Naomi is an animal-loving American girl who married an animal-tolerating Canadian boy, and they have three animal-loving Camerican children (Hooray!). Naomi and Darren felt God calling them to raise their family in Phuket, and so they moved in 2014. God laid a burden on their hearts to bring “freedom to the captives,” and they believe that means both figuratively and literally. God has also given Naomi a passion for adoption and foster care, and she hopes to spread that passion in Thailand! She is so excited to see how God uses her and her family as they humble themselves and wait for His Spirit to fall on this land!

To support the Herbold’s, click here and select “Darren and Naomi Herbold” from the dropdown menu.

Mattias Bjorkqvist

Operations Director

Mattias Bjorkqvist

Mattias is from Sweden and is passionate about serving God however He calls him to. For the last nine years, Mattias and his family have made their home in Phuket, Thailand. God brought Mattias and Viyada to Phuket from Sweden in a very unexpected way, and it has been challenging but also a time of great blessings. They are thankful for how Jesus has been shaping and molding their family over the years, and also for how they are able to be used by the King of kings to expand His Kingdom in Phuket!

Viyada Bjorkqvist

Vocational Training Director

Viyada Bjorkqvist

Viyada is from northeast Thailand and is passionate about serving God however He calls her to. For the last nine years, Viyada and her family have made their home in Phuket, Thailand. God brought Viyada and Mattias to Phuket from Sweden in a very unexpected way, and it has been challenging but also a time of great blessings. They are thankful for how Jesus has been shaping and molding their family over the years, and also for how they are able to be used by the King of kings to expand His Kingdom in Phuket!

Paul Beeghly

Paul Beeghly

Paul is passionate about ending exploitation in Thailand and proclaiming freedom in Jesus Christ. He is excited to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this ministry that helps set the captives free!

To support the Beeghly’s, click here and select “The Beeghlys” from the dropdown menu.

Allisan Beeghly

Salon Project Director

Allisan Beeghly

Allisan is pursuing her God-given dream of started a hair ministry in SE Asia to aid women who have been sexually exploited as they transition into their new lives. She is passionate about sharing God’s love and aiding victims who are seeking a fresh start.

To support the Beeghly’s, click here and select “The Beeghlys” from the dropdown menu.

Kaura-lea Dueck

Ministry Coordinator

Kaura-lea Dueck

Kaura-lea hails from the Great White North and has been adjusting to the tropical heat of Thailand since 2015. She is passionate about reaching the least reached and fighting sexual exploitation through prevention. Community development, awareness, advocacy, relationship, and empowerment are all beautiful tools God uses to grow his Kingdom on earth, and Kaura-lea is delighted that she can be used to help sow seeds of grace in Phuket.

To support Kaura-lea, click here and select “Kaura-lea Dueck” from the dropdown menu.

Erin Luken

Ministry Coordinator

Erin Luken

Erin is currently serving as a full-time missionary with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Thailand and has the blessing of joining with For Freedom International part-time. Erin believes in the Micah 6:8 call to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God,” as we look at issues of vulnerability and ask God for our part in empowering communities to see change and restoration.

Brad Ausink

Volunteer Translator

Brad Ausink

Brad is from Hampton Roads, Virginia, U.S.A. He first came to Thailand in 2012 to do volunteer repair and construction work for a Christian ministry organization. Since then Brad has been involved with a variety of ministry projects, serving mostly through construction, translation, and sports. Brad would like to see his involvement in FFI improve partnership between foreign and local ministries in Thailand.

Sookpranee Wongchareon

Admin and CAC

Sookpranee Wongchareon

Sookpranee, also known as Ning, was born in Phuket and has spent many years faithfully serving the Lord alongside her family. When people come to Christ, they offer their lives to him and then live for him, to build his kingdom and to honour and glorify him in everything, together with their friends and family. To serve God, Sookpranee starts with her family and her brothers and sisters in church, and then God can use them to reach the community and the country. Sookpranee believes that, through the work of FFI, the love of Jesus will renew many people, including those who have not yet heard of Him.

Pattama Rattanaphon

CAC Children’s Coordinator

Pattama Rattanaphon

Pattama, also known as Pla, accepted Christ when she was 15 years old and loves to work with and teach children. Pattama wants to see all children have education and a good life; her main concern is for children growing up in today’s society, since society is becoming an increasingly dangerous place for them. Pattama is very glad she can work with FFI at the Child Advocacy Center Phuket.

For Freedom International is also privileged to work with many amazing partners.